Seal-spotting walks

Grey seals and common seals can be seen all around the UK coastline. They both spend a lot of time at sea but come ashore to breed during the autumn months. Coastal walks are a great way to see seals, but you can also view then on a boat trip.

Seals are easily scared especially by dogs so please remember to keep a safe distance when they come ashore.

The Farnes are home to one of the biggest grey seal colonies in the British Isles. They've been here for at least 800 years, but were hunted for oil and skins for most of that time. Now they're protected, and you can try and spot them during this walk.

The coastline just south of Newquay is incredibly varied, with fantastic displays of wild coastal flowers in summer. Visit in autumn for a privileged view of grey seal pups, and in winter to find migrant birds in the fields.

Enjoy a walk that offers breathtaking views, with Stepper Point to the south and Doyden and Tintagel Castles to the north. Keep your eyes peeled for grey seals and peregrine falcons, often seen along on this stretch of coast.

This 6 mile walk takes you over Wales’ oldest rocks - laid down some 600 million years ago during the pre-Cambrian era. The route also goes past Seal Bay, which lives up to its name in autumn when the pups are being born on the shore.

What could be better after an autumn walk than a hot cuppa, homemade cake, warming soup or hearty seasonal dish? You’ll find lots of rewarding treats on menus at our tea-rooms during autumn and we’ve picked some of our favourite places for a pit-stop after a good stomp.